Question by d.cakes: Question about being enlisted in the Army and seeing a therapist?
So, I’m in the Army Reserves.. I just graduated basic training August of this year. I was really looking into seeing a therapist for depression/addiction. Is there any way I can get discharged if they find out I am seeing a therapist? I don’t want this to jeopardize my career in any way, but I also feel like I need to seek help first.
Would I need some time in service before I can start counseling?

Serious answers only, please.
And no, I was not depressed or anything before I enlisted so I don’t want the typical “Oh, you shouldn’t have joined the Army if you were dealing with depression..” answer.

Best answer:

Answer by Paul
The answer is no. If you’re seeing a therapist for whatever reason, it’s actually none of their business. I came back from Iraq and went to see one to get some pills to help me sleep. Continued on for two more years and got out Honorable with disability pay.
Now if you start missing work because the monsters under your bed told you not to go, then an issue might arise.

Answer by Michael
If you are diagnosed and treated for depression outside of the military and the military discovers it you can be discharged.

It is very different to be treated for depression rather than addiction. To what are you addicted? If it is an illegal substance you may be caught during a random test and discharged. If it is a legal substance (such as Oxycodone) but you do not have a valid prescription that is a violation and can get you discharged. If it a legal substance and you have a valid prescription but you have not informed the military that can also get you booted.

Good that you want to get your life in order, but you have a path to walk very carefully.

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Layla Bonner, M.Ed. on Counseling for Depression and Anxiety –